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2000 SUBARU IMPREZA P1 LIMITED EDITION

This Subaru Impreza P1 Limited Edition is a great example of one of the most iconic contemporary performance cars. Under the bonnet is a turbocharged 2.0-litre boxer engine - producing 276bhp officially, but in reality slightly higher - with all-wheel drive via a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates 86,665 miles from new, and the car presents in highly original condition.

Commissioned by Subaru, but with the finished build by WRC team runner Prodrive, the P1 was developed to stem the tide of grey imports, with a limited run of 1,000 high-powered Imprezas that would be type-approved for Europe. This is car number 616 of that production run.

All P1s were painted in Sonic Blue, and featured uprated coil springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bars, as well as ABS and a bespoke design of OZ Racing wheels. A unique rear wing and front spoiler rounded off the upgrades, and the P1 was capable of sprinting from 0-60mph in less than five seconds.

This particular example was first registered in December 2000, supplied by Culverwell Cars in East Sussex, and there are six previous registered keepers on the log book. The current owner acquired the car seven months ago, and has enjoyed a few hundred miles on the road. As an enthusiast with a broad collection of modern classics, he has other vehicles taking priority, so is now offering it for sale to another Impreza fan to experience.

The bodywork is in very good condition, with good shut lines and panel gaps, and there is a clear HPI report on file for additional peace of mind. The only note from the seller is that the spoiler below the front bumper was cracked on a bollard, so it was replaced by a new item and painted to match. Otherwise, the finish appears to be smooth and glossy all around the car. The OZ Racing alloy wheels were refurbished in April 2019, with decals under the lacquer, and are pristine.

In the cabin, the seats are upholstered in the original textured cloth and synthetic suede. They show some very modest wear and slight fading of the fabric, but in general present very well indeed. There is no damage to any of the interior features, which - apart from the Pioneer stereo head unit - appear to be entirely original. It still has the leather-trimmed gear knob, handbrake grip, and Momo steering wheel, all accented by bright red stitching.

The car has an excellent service history file. For the first nine years on the road in particular, it was fastidiously maintained, from the running-in service carried out at 987 miles, to the frequent interim services - sometimes two or three times a year. Over the last 10 years, the car has been driven more sparingly, but is presented in fine mechanical condition.

Its last scheduled maintenance was in August 2019 at Outlaw Customs in Doncaster, which consisted of a full service, along with replacement of the camshaft timing belt and water pump. The clutch and the power steering pump were also renewed by the same workshop a few months later.

Another service in April 2017 is also in the file, and during 2015 various items were replaced, including all of the brake discs and pads, as well as the anti-roll bar drop links. The engine was rebuilt by renowned specialist Andy Williams of Williams Motorsport in 2014, and there is a dynamometer readout from 2015 showing peak power just above 280bhp.

The most recent MOT test was on 11 July 2019 at 85,654 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories whatsoever. Its alloy wheels are fitted with Nankang Ultra Sport tyres in size 205/45 ZR17 all round, which are date-coded to 2017 and still have plenty of tread.

Accompanying the car is the original literature pouch, including the owner’s manual, special P1 supplements, and the stamped warranty and service booklet. There is also a very good history file containing a raft of old invoices and receipts for previous maintenance work, as well as an independent media road test from 2015.

This Subaru Impreza P1 is a coveted modern classic, boasting seriously impressive performance. It is presented in superb cosmetic and mechanical condition throughout, and is arguably even more desirable as it remains original and unmodified. An opportunity not to be missed.

The car is offered from the Horizon Classics collection, which has been assembled by a passionate enthusiast who has always bought cars that he will drive and enjoy. They are all kept in superb mechanical order, ready to take out at a moment’s notice, and represent some of the most popular modern classics.

Summary of service history: